Republican Platform Advocates For Increased Training

The Republican Party Platform, adopted Aug. 28 during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., calls for policies that will help get people back to work, including replacing outdated policies and ineffectual training programs.

According to the platform, nine federal agencies currently run 47 retraining programs for a total cost of $18 billion annually, but the results from those programs are dismal. As an alternative, the party proposes to consolidate those programs into state block grants so training can be coordinated with local schools and employers.

In addition, the platform advocates for establishing Personal Reemployment Accounts, which would let trainees direct resources in ways that will steer them towards long-term employment, especially through on-the-job training with participating employers.